Scan device and method for testing filters for leaks
A scanner and method of operation for inspecting high efficiency filters to detect the presence of pin-hole leaks. The scanner includes a plurality of funnel members movable along guide members and connected by tube members to a monitoring device for detecting any contaminants contained in gases entrained in the funnel members.
This application claims the benefit of provisional application 60/509,913 filed Oct. 10, 2003.
The invention relates to a new and improved apparatus and method for testing high efficiency filters for the presence of leaks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHigh efficiency filters are used for capturing, removing and/or eliminating hazardous bacteria, viruses and other undesirable matter from fluids, and more particularly from the flow of gases such as air, oxygen and the like in environments in which the purity of the gases is critically sensitive and must not contain contaminants or other forms of pollutants.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is particularly useful with ultra high efficiency, containment filter modules designed specifically for hazardous applications, such as is disclosed and discussed in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,699 dated Nov. 21, 2000.
A novel apparatus and novel method including the use of a plurality of probes are used for scanning across the entire filter surface area for assuring detection of any pin-hole leaks.
The scanner 10 is comprised of a plurality of movable probes, ten being shown, comprised of a series of hollow tube members 12, preferably made of aluminum to allow for incineration subsequent to use, each tube member 12 having a funnel member 14 affixed at one end thereof by an individual, 90 degree, elbow member 16. Each funnel member 14 is provided with grommet means 18 for allowing slidable movement thereof along a pair of parallel spaced guide bars 20, as best shown in
Thus, as is apparent from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a means and method for testing filters for minute leaks and permits meeting the NSF-49 specifications applicable to high efficiency filters utilized in hazardous applications.
Claims
1. A scanner for inspecting a filter for detecting and locating pin-hole leaks, said scanner including; an array of funnel members, a plurality of parallel guide means disposed across said scanner for mounting said funnel members for individual movement across said scanner, each of said funnel members being connected to an individual one of a plurality of hollow tube members extending across said filter, and means for connecting each of said tube members to a monitoring device.
2. A scanner as defined in claim 1 wherein said array of funnel members are alignable in a line along one dimension of said scanner and said funnel members are separately movable along said parallel guide means for providing complete coverage of the area of said scanner.
3. A scanner as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for connecting said tube members to a monitoring device include a fitment at an end of each hollow tube member and a flexible hose member for extending to said monitoring device.
4. A method for inspecting a filter to detect pin-hole leaks, said method including the steps of: providing an array of funnel members, sequentially moving said funnel members along a series of parallel guide means disposed across said filter, and passing gases entering said funnel members to a monitoring device for detecting any contaminants that become entrained in said funnel members.
5. A scanner for inspecting a filter for detecting pin-hole leaks, said scanner including an array of funnel members, guide means disposed across said scanner for mounting said funnel members for individual movement across said scanner, each of said funnel members being connected to one of a plurality of hollow tube members, and means for connecting said tube members to a monitoring device, wherein said array of funnel members are alignable in a line along one dimension of said scanner and are separately movable along said guide means for providing complete coverage of the area of said scanner.
6. A scanner as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for connecting said tube members to a monitoring device include a fitment at an end of each hollow tube member and a flexible hose member for extending to said monitoring device.
4494403 | January 22, 1985 | Bowers et al. |
59-10831 | January 1984 | JP |
1-164414 | June 1989 | JP |
4-77646 | March 1992 | JP |
2001-108606 | April 2001 | JP |
2002-243626 | August 2002 | JP |
Type: Grant
Filed: Oct 12, 2004
Date of Patent: Mar 14, 2006
Inventor: James I. Grantham (Raleigh, NC)
Primary Examiner: Daniel S. Larkin
Attorney: William H. Holt
Application Number: 10/961,046
International Classification: G01M 3/02 (20060101);